Károly Markó the Elder (1791-1860) is known to be as one of the most illustrious figures of 19th century Hungarian painting with an entire school of followers. He mostly lived abroad in his lifetime primarily working in Vienna, then in Italy for twenty-five years. His life and activities can be deemed as a fine example as to how one can be thriving to support his native culture by applying Italian sources as well as by using the heritage of his homeland.